We have several varieties of Rhubarb planted, some two years old, some new this year. All the leaves turned brown and died back. This did not happy so early last year. It has been hotter than usuall. Is this normal, or is there a terrible rhubarb killer. I would like to know if I should plant more next spring.
2006-08-22 15:48:50 · 7 answers · asked by Dennis H 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
Rhubarb dies back to the ground each year. Keep in mind the leaves are poisonous. Eat just the stalks.
Here is a helpful link about growing rhubarb:
http://www.hort.wisc.edu/mastergardener/Features/fruits/rhubarb/rhubarb.htm
...jj
2006-08-22 15:52:29 · answer #1 · answered by johnny j 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is normal. If you haven't used your rhubarb before the summer it will go to flower/seed then the stalks get woody and are awful for using. At this point the green leaves will go brown. You can usually get a second crop if you snap off all the stalks down to the crown. New growth will start to emerge almost immediately. If nothing emerges again, then you've killed your plant by lack of water, or something else. There are no known pests that will kill rhubarb, a few borers may damage it.
2006-08-22 23:05:32 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rhubarb is one of two perennial vegetables; asparagus is the other. It is normal for rhubarb to die back and go dormant every year. Though I think July is probably a little early it could very well be because it was so much hotter this year. I wouldn't worry. It will return in the Spring.
2006-08-22 22:53:16 · answer #3 · answered by Hidden .38 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it depends where you live, and where it is planted in the garden. I live in lower B.C. and I still have rhubarb in the garden, planted with a southern exposure. The leaves continue to appear healthy, but the stalks may be woody at this time of the year. I would plant more next Spring and read up on what exposure, what type of soil would be the most suitable.
2006-08-22 22:58:09 · answer #4 · answered by miriam 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is very normal, the hotter the summer, the faster it goes dormant. If you are planning to plant more, or ever to divide what you have, autumn is the best time to do it. And autumn is the ideal time to put a "bushel basket" of manure or compost on your rhubarb site.
2006-08-26 17:00:15 · answer #5 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would have to say that it has probably went dormant...rhubarb does not like it too hot.....it is very difficult to kill rhubarb. even if you dig it up and throw it in the compost it will regrow!
Yummy....rhubarb......stewed on ice cream! cant wait til spring again!
2006-08-22 22:56:23 · answer #6 · answered by Carrot girl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yep it is normal......and should come up again in spring.
2006-08-22 22:51:22 · answer #7 · answered by yager19 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋